Hand-crafted controversy

It’s tough being a beer snob in a Big Beer state. I am tempted to compare it to driving a Toyota in downtown Detroit 30 years ago. The American auto industry was crashing and burning, and Japanese vehicles were seen as the devil by some in the Motor City – and actually treated that way.

Fortunately I have not been physically threatened by the hordes of lager enthusiasts (you know who you are, Mr. Bud Light and your brethren) in the Sunshine State, folks who regard a Sam Adams product as exotic.

I know there are other states that have antiquated beer laws. When I was in Utah 10 years ago I learned that the brewpubs in that state were not allowed to make or serve any beer with alcohol content greater than 5 percent, or something to that effect. I believe that law has since been altered.

Enough rambling. Back to Florida. This is the only state I am aware of where growlers are limited to 32 ounces. States with thriving craft beer industries – and Florida is quickly joining that number – would never restrict microbreweries and brewpubs from selling and refilling growlers that contain less than a half-gallon.

State Sen. Nancy Detert accurately described last week’s “brewhaha” among different factions of the beer world as “beer food fight.” The Republican from Venice hit the keg right on the tap.

One of the bills being discussed would permit beer tastings in the same fashion wine tastings are held at all sorts of venues. Please, no one tell our lawmakers that a popular health food store in Tallahassee routinely hosts beer tastings, as do several shops that carry a nice assortment of craft beers.

I hope our lawmakers are paying attention to the state’s mushrooming craft beer world. There are now more than 70 brewpubs and microbreweries in our state, almost double the number of just a decade ago. Despite almost zero marketing – when was the last time you saw a commercial for Cigar City or Terrapin or Dogfish Head during a football game time out? – craft beer nationwide grew at a steady 7 percent a year during the recession of 2008-2011. It’s not just a liquid industry, it appears to be recession proof.

And it deserves the unequivocal support of lawmakers. Ignore the wholesalers and tune out the lobbyists. Talk to the men and women who are devoting their lives to making hand-crafted ales. They are artisans as well as businessmen and women. Don’t put hurdles in their paths. Treat beer tastings the same as you do wine tastings. Give a green light to 64-ounce growlers. And while you’re at it, treat yourself to a Funky Buddha (Fort Lauderdale) Cabana Boy Wheat Ale. If you do, I can’t imagine you will ever open another Landshark Lager.

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About The Author

I'm a senior writer at the Tallahassee Democrat. I primarily write about higher education, but this blog usually focuses on beer or wine or the occasional spirit. I'm a former home brewer, and I have been a judge at state and local beer competitions.